What it means
정성 means putting your whole heart and effort into something — sincerity expressed through action, not just words. Closely related to 정 (jeong), the deep emotional bond Koreans form.
Nuance & when to use
정성을 다하다 = to give one's all / to put in sincere effort. 정성스럽다 = to be sincere and heartfelt. When a Korean grandmother makes a meal and says 정성껏 만들었어요 (I made it with all my heart), it's an expression of the deepest care. Connected to 손맛 (the taste of hands) — food made with 정성 tastes better.
⚠ Common mistake
정성 ≠ 노력 (effort). 노력 = trying hard (more transactional). 정성 = doing something with your whole heart (deeply personal and emotional).
Example sentences
See also
FAQ
When is this used?
정성을 다하다 = to give one's all / to put in sincere effort. 정성스럽다 = to be sincere and heartfelt. When a Korean grandmother makes a meal and says 정성껏 만들었어요 (I made it with all my heart), it's an expression of the deepest care. Connected to 손맛 (the taste of hands) — food made with 정성 tastes better.
What's a common mistake?
정성 ≠ 노력 (effort). 노력 = trying hard (more transactional). 정성 = doing something with your whole heart (deeply personal and emotional).
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